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A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ ISSUE NO. 370 / FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2014

President Opens Parliament Session, Lays Out New Priorities

Traditions and Art of Kazakhstan Presented to Int’l Community

Shape Eurasia 2014 to Build Multicultural, Interfaith Dialogue

Also In The News

President Opens Parliament Session, Lays Out New Priorities

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President Nursultan Nazarbayev opened the fourth session of the Parliament of Kazakhstan’s fifth convocation on Sept. 2, saying the nation’s focus should be addressing challenges to the national economy and security.

In his remarks laying out priorities for the coming year, Nazarbayev said the new session starts amidst global economic uncertainty and deepening geopolitical risks, including the situation in Ukraine.

“It is of paramount importance to prevent any possible negative challenges to the national economy, people’s welfare and the country’s security. To effectively take advantage of the current opportunities, the parliament and the government should [coordinate] their efforts. One of the major goals is to ensure Kazakhstan enters the top 30 most-developed countries of the world,” he said.

“To achieve that goal, it is necessary to continue the administrative reform in order to create an effective system of governance with a professional and compact state apparatus. As you know, a decision has already been made on the new structure of the government. The decree on delimitation of powers between various levels of government has already been implemented,” Nazarbayev noted.

The President mentioned six major areas that require serious structural reforms and appropriate legal provision, including the adoption of the new entrepreneurial code and civil code and further development of arbitrage legislation that would work in compliance with existing international standards.

Nazarbayev also stressed the need to simplify the provision of public services to citizens and businesses through the development of e-government.

“I instruct the government to integrate all existing government systems and databases into an e-government platform until 2017. We should further simplify the registration process for legal entities,” he said. The head of state noted the fourth goal is to reduce the number of permissions procedures by 50 percent.

“Fifth, we need to simplify our customs procedures. Until the end of this year, in order to support domestic exporters, the government should develop measures to reduce the cost of the transportation of goods and reduce the time of customs clearance. I task the government to initiate changes in the Customs Union agreement on common principles and rules of technical regulation for international recognition of certificates of conformity,” Nazarbayev said.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev opens the fourth session of the Parliament of Kazakhstan’s fifth convocation

He also requested legislators draft a law making it easier for everyday people to have documents notarised. He also called for increased efforts to fight corruption and tasked the government to introduce an anti-corruption strategy until 2025 before the end of the year. He also called for a draft law to be submitted to end corruption in public procurement.

“The state should create conditions under which it will be impossible to use official powers for personal gain,” he said.

President also noted other draft laws that should be considered by parliament, including on mineral resources, which will provide a significant simplification of procedures for obtaining the right of subsoil use, reduction of administrative barriers and transparency in decision-making.

President Nazarbayev also stressed the need to develop and provide legislative support to the agro-industrial complex. He instructed the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) to submit a draft law on agricultural cooperation to parliament before the end of the year.

“The state should create conditions under which it will be impossible to

use official powers for personal gain.”-Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev

The President also asked the members of parliament to draft a bill on migration and a bill that would facilitate mandatory internships in enterprises.

“Today, we are implementing the Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy, which is a crucial phase in our development. The fourth session has its own specific features, as the senate deputies elected in October 2008 are completing their terms in office. The election of new members is scheduled for October 1,” the head of state concluded.

Prime Minister Karim Massimov, members of the government, Secretary of State Adilbek Zhaksybekov, Chairman of the Supreme Court Kairat Mami and Chairman of the Constitutional Council Igor Rogov attended the session. At the end of the session, the new members of parliament took an oath of service.

Shape Eurasia 2014 to Build Multicultural, Interfaith Dialogue

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The World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers (GS) Community from diverse parts of the world is set to meet in Astana Sept. 6-7 at the Shape Eurasia 2014 Forum. More than 100 of the most accomplished young leaders and change-makers from over 50 countries will attend the forum on “Building Multicultural and Interfaith Dialogue,” the main theme for this year’s Shape Eurasia.

The forum will be held at Kazakhstan’s renowned Nazarbayev University with the support of the Nur Otan party. Shape Eurasia is a platform designed to bring together young leaders from different regions of the world to discuss the transformation of the Eurasian continent through integration and peaceful dialogue. During the two days, like-minded people will discuss the future development of the continent.

Kazakhstan is pursuing an effective policy to create and develop multicultural and interfaith understanding not only in the country, but worldwide. Today, the young country is home to representatives of more than 130 ethnic groups. Thus, respect for the traditions of each ethnic group and the establishment of trusting relationships with representatives of foreign countries play a key role in the development of the independent country. Shape Eurasia is one of the outstanding projects that shows the dynamic development of the multi-ethnic state; hence on the forum agenda is a reflection of the current Eurasia and in particular, Kazakhstan. The population of the world’s ninth largest country by area consists of different religious and ethnic groups, where everyone lives under an umbrella of cultural, religious and ethnic differences that unite them all and make a great contribution to the welfare and peace of their communities and the country in general.

Young shapers will also have a chance to learn about leadership from the country’s prominent politicians and public figures, including First Deputy Chairman of the Nur Otan party Bauyrzhan Baibek and Chairman of the Management Board at Tsesnabank Dauren Zhaksybek, as well as other world leaders and top executives from international organisations and business corporations such as the Abraaj Group, Coca-Cola.

The two-day meeting will serve as an ideal platform for expanding cooperation and establishing multicultural dialogue among Global Shapers – the leaders of tomorrow -- and provide great opportunities for flashing resumes as well as furthering development of networks, showcasing best projects and representing local hubs of young leaders.

Shape Eurasia 2014 will gather young leaders from 45 countries

By hosting the forum, organisers hope to promote the country’s business projects and introduce Kazakhstan’s favourable investment climate to young foreign businessmen. The oil and gas-rich country can also demonstrate the Kazakh Model of building intercultural and interfaith dialogue in the world, as well as provide a facilitated networking platform for young entrepreneurs and leaders and enhance the status and awareness of the activities of the World Economic Forum and the Global Shapers Community in Kazakhstan.

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which unites over 4,500 young people age 20-30 around the world. Global Shapers organise centres of activity in major cities, interacting with each other and sharing experiences and ideas. Through constant communication, the members of the community have the opportunity to put forward ideas and business initiatives to solve various issues, from improving legislation and environment protection to youth employment.

The local team, Global Shapers of Astana Hub, has already implemented a number of projects, such as the Café Scientifique, Wish Tree, Action Forum and a series of public lectures in the sphere of finance.

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which unites over 4,500 young people age 20-30 around the world. Global Shapers organise centres of activity in major cities, interacting with each other and sharing experiences and ideas. Through constant communication, the members of the community have the opportunity to put forward ideas and business initiatives to solve various issues, from improving legislation and environment protection to youth employment.

Traditions and Art of Kazakhstan Presented to Int’l Community

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A traditional ethnographic exhibition titled “Kazakhstan – The Heart of Eurasia. The Art of Ancestors – Descendant’s Heritage” has been organised by the Department of Culture of the Astana akimat (mayor’s office) and the Palace of Independence, together with the Global Art Arai International Art Fund. The event opened on Aug. 30 and will last until Sept. 30.

The purpose of the event is to introduce the heritage and aesthetics of the decorative arts and crafts of the people of Kazakhstan to the international community.

This exhibition is a symbolic event. All the exhibits are the works of famous artists and jewelers – Berik Alibai, Serzhan Bazhirov, Asylmardan Kadyrbayev and Ilya Kazakov, as well as a collection of vintage products of arts and crafts from their personal collections.

Around 800 works of art are displayed in the hall of the exhibition, as well as on the spacious grounds of the Palace of Independence. The noble radiance of silver, brilliance and depth of gems, the fine grains and engraving of Tumars – amulets, heavy necklaces, a variety of rings and belts, which are a must and point of pride for every horseman from Kazakhstan, define the aura of the display. The virtuoso technique and the impeccable taste of jewelers open the true beauty of jewelry to viewers and illustrate the depth of the tradition of folk crafts from Kazakhstan. Jewelry, arms, armor and horse equipment, tableware, cutlery and various utensils are presented in the exposition. They are complemented by rooms filled with interior decorations commonly found in the yurt as well as traditional furniture, artistic weaved pieces and national clothing from Kazakhstan, including the beautiful shining bridal headdress, the saukele.

The fine art exhibition at the Palace of Independence provides a wide range of pieces from across the globe; foreign representatives to the Global Forum have the opportunity to experience the best of Kazakhstan’s traditional artwork. This exhibition confirms that Astana is the cultural capital of the Turkic world. For 4,000 years, the people of Kazakhstan have inhabited the vast steppes of Kazakhstan. They were the first ones here. This exhibition was able to reveal only a small chunk of the wealth of culture of Kazakhstan. The exhibits were grouped into sections, including creative works by jeweler Berik Alibai, a folk crafts workshop, the yurt and furniture, types of belts,

jewelry from Kazakhstan, weapons, sketches of national dresses and ethics as a reflection of high culture.

Traditional jewelry from Kazakhstan

Books and tableware presented at a recent exhibition of traditional arts and crafts from Kazakhstan

It was no accident that the 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Astana Economic Forum (AEF) were held in the Palace of Independence. The venue has become an accommodating place for international negotiations and important global meetings; within the palace walls, strategic global issues of prosperity and mutual understanding are solved. The palace has impressed residents and guests of the capital, as well as ordinary visitors from 67 countries, 3,000 delegates to the ADB Forum and 10,000 participants of the Global Economic Forum (GEF) and leading experts from more than 150 countries around the world.

Also In The News...

• DeputyFMsfromKazakhstanandAzerbaijanmeetinBakuPolitical consultations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were held recently in Baku. The delegation from Kazakhstan was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samat Ordabaev and the Azerbaijani delegation by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khalaf Khalafov. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation and international issues, as well as joint economic projects in energy, transport, logistics and agriculture. Ordabaev thanked the Azerbaijani side for its support of Kazakhstan’s nomination as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018 and for Astana’s candidacy for EXPO 2017. On the same day, the delegation from Kazakhstan met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov. The meeting was marked by a high level of trust between the two countries and the interest of both countries to cooperate across the spectrum of Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan relations. (mfa.gov.kz)

• KazakhstanandGeorgiaholdpoliticalconsultationsinTbilisiPolitical consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Georgia were held recently in Tbilisi. The delegation from Georgia was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister David Djalaganiya and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samat Ordabaev from the Kazakh side. The parties discussed bilateral issues in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields, as well as international and regional issues. The ministers stressed the need for additional bilateral cooperation and the exchange of high-level visits. The meeting noted the importance of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation as an effective mechanism to develop bilateral economic relations. It was agreed that the next session will be held this fall in Tbilisi. (bnews.kz)

• NazarbayevUniversityopenstechnologyparkMinister of Education and Science of Kazakhstan Aslan Sarinzhipov unveiled the Technopark technology park in mid-July on the campus of Nazarbayev University in Astana. Technopark was designed along with the university’s partners from South Korea and the United Kingdom. It is a multi-purpose facility designed to carry out research in biotechnology, robotics, IT, renewable energy and mechanics. Technopark will enable the university to turn its scientific research into practical applications for new developments and even advance them to commercial markets. Technopark’s main goal is to transform ideas into finished products. “The opening of Technopark signifies the beginning of the third stage of Nazarbayev University that focuses on the introduction of scientific developments into practical use,” Sarinzhipov said at the opening ceremony. Technopark is a successful continuation of the plan to develop an intellectual-innovative cluster at Nazarbayev University and help the university evolve into a world-class research hub. It will help create a favourable environment for researchers and attract more investments into research. (tengrinews.kz)

• AlmatyCityseeksideastoimprovecitylivingThe Almaty city administration will spend 3.2 million tenge (US$17,586) to run a competition for ideas to improve life in Almaty city. All citizens can participate and three winners will be allocated 100,000 tenge (US$550) to implement their projects. The winner will be the person who earns the highest number of “likes.” To do this, each entrant will register his or her idea on the site and promote it through social networks. The three winners will be chosen by a special commission. The Tobe public fund will implement the project. Its head, Dana Shayakhmet, noted that the project is meant to improve the city, civic culture, ecology, education and charity. “We are waiting for innovative, unusual projects that will attract public attention to problems,” Shayakhmet said. (tengrinews.kz)

• AstanaOperaopensSilkRoadFestivalwith“Tosca”The Astana Opera will open the International Silk Road Festival Sept. 17 with the timeless opera “Tosca,” by Giacomo Puccini. This is a big event for the Astana Opera and will be highlighted by renowned Italian singers Anna Pirozzi as Tosca, famous tenor Massimo Giordano as Cavaradossi and brilliant opera singer Alberto Gazale as Scarpia. The performance will also involve Astana Opera soloists. “Tosca” premiered Jan. 14, 1900 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome and its vibrant music and exciting plot still make it popular today. The play takes place against a backdrop of historical events that illustrate the hard times of the year 1800, when Napoleon’s army invaded Italy. Despite the trying times, the love between Tosca and Cavaradossi grows. The musical masterpiece written more than a century ago is among the world’s top five operas. (astanatimes.com)

• Athletes fromKazakhstan take eightmedals atYouthOlympicGamesinChinaAt the second Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held Aug. 16-28 in Nanjing, China, athletes from Kazakhstan competed against 3,600 athletes from 201 countries to win eight medals, including three gold, one silver and four bronze. The medals put Kazakhstan in 21st place. China won the most medals at 65 followed by Russia. Judoka from Kazakhstan Bauyrzhan Zhauyntayev won gold in the 55-kilogramme weight category and boxer from Kazakhstan Abylaikhan Zhussupov was victorious in the 60-kilogramme weight category. Wrestler from Kazakhstan Mukhambet Kuatbek became a gold medalist, beating Russian Amirhan Guvazhokov, Armenian Vaginak Matevosyan, New Zealander Brahma Richards and Venezuelan Eliezer Aulara. Boxer from Kazakhstan Vadim Kazakov became a silver medalist after yielding victory to Bulgarian Blagoja Naydenov. Bronze medals were earned by Greco-Roman wrestler from Kazakhstan Yevgeniy Polivadov, weightlifters Zhaslan Kaliyev and Tatyana Kapustina and gymnasts from Kazakhstan Viktoriya Guslyakova, Amina Kozhakhmet, Nuray Kumarova, Dariya Medvedeva and Aliya Moldakhmetova. YOG is an international multi-sport event organised by the International Olympic Committee. The games are held every four years in summer and winter. (www.theastanatimes.com)

• Thirdinternationalliterarycontest“DiscoverCentralAsia”tobeheldinKazakhstanEnrollment for poets is still open in the literary competition “Discover Central Asia.” The competition is being organised in London by the Hertfordshire Press publishing house. Organisers say participants from Kazakhstan are particularly active in the categories “literary work” and “literary translation.” The contest has four categories, including “Illustration” and “Movie.” The festival’s final events and awards ceremony will be held in mid-November in Almaty and Astana. Honorary jury member Nick Rowan, editor of a British magazine about Central Asia, noted that, “We are seeing a big change [in writers from Kazakhstan], as more and more authors write fiction in English and for the English-speaking reader, which is generally understood because this market is the most abundant. For [authors from Kazakhstan] entering the international level, it is a kind of an intellectual expansion, which will undoubtedly bring more recognition to the country,” commented Rowan. (bnews.kz)

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